• Škoda to compete on legendary American salt flats to mark 10 years of vRS
• Specially built 600PS Octavia vRS aims to be the first 200mph Škoda

Simply Clever…..at more than 200mph! Škoda UK is to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its iconic vRS performance flagship badge by going landspeed record racing.

A one-off modified Octavia vRS saloon has been entered into the world famous Bonneville Speed Week in August (13-20). Its aim is to break the magic 200mph barrier and join the most exclusive club in motoring.

The brand’s UK technical team at Milton Keynes has been working in secret on the vehicle for several months, with the assistance of performance software and tuning outfit REVO Technik.

The car is a factory-fresh production Octavia vRS, but some changes have been made to improve aerodynamics and performance. That includes lowering it to run almost 80mm closer to the ground and a new sub-frame which houses a race prepared intercooler.

It retains its production-standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI petrol engine but the standard turbo has been replaced with a more advanced unit from respected component firm Garret. Generating up to 600PS, and producing 26-28 PSI of boost pressure, it drinks high-octane race fuel (with water methanol mix) rather than unleaded petrol.

The unique racer has been built to stringent Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) safety regulations, which means a reinforced roll cage, parachute, fire extinguishers and window cage.

Since its launch in 2001, vRS has captured the hearts of UK motorists who enjoy the thrill of sports car driving. Since then, the UK has become Škoda’s largest market for the Octavia and Fabia vRS with more than 12,000 cars sold since launch.

Robert Hazelwood, Director for Škoda UK, said: “The 10-year relationship between the UK and the vRS badge has been extremely successful. This is a landmark anniversary and going to Bonneville is a fitting tribute. It’s also an ambitious project which might surprise a few people, but Škoda is all about engineering excellence and this car is pushing that to new limits.”

The vRS is entered into the ‘2.0-litre production car’ category and will race over a nine-mile straight, which includes a timed mile in the middle. Performance through that section determines the class winner.

The legendary Bonneville Salt Flats begin 90 miles west of Salt Lake City and cover around 50 square miles of north-western Utah. It has been the spiritual home to high-speed racing for almost a century and each August a variety of hot rods, roadsters, belly tankers, lakesters, motorcycles, streamliners and diesel trucks compete in Speed Week.

For a full comparison between the standard Octavia vRS and the Bonneville car, please see the specification sheet below.

Škoda vRS models are designed to ignite the passion and thrill of sports car driving. They offer additional emotional involvement and an extra level of dynamic appeal, and stand out from the crowd thanks to their subtle but distinctive exterior features. These include aggressive bumpers, rear spoiler, bespoke alloy wheels and chromed exhaust tips. Inside, the attention to detail continues with fresh upholstery, unique badging and smart dashboard inserts.

Performance

Škoda Octavia vRS (Bonneville Special)

Max speed - mph (km/h)200+ (322+)

Acceleration 0–62mph TBC

Max. performance (PS) 550-600

Max. torque (Nm/rpm) 450/6,000-7,700 rpm

Fuel consumption mpg (l/100km)TBC

Engine

TurboGarret G05 65mm twin blade billet cut compressor wheel with ported intake housing & TIAL exhaust housing with 40mm external waste gate and 55mm blow-off valve

Boost pressure26-28 psi

Fuel type120 RON high octane race control fuel with water methanol injection

Engine management software

Stock Škoda engine control unit with REVO Technik software AIM data logging

Transmission

ClutchHydraulically- activated single plate four-pad sintered clutch with single mass flywheel

Manual transmissionSix-speed Octavia GreenLine II manual transmission,fully synchronised with direct gearshift and GripperDiff Limited Slip DifferentialSix-speed manual transmission

Chassis

Front axle/rear axleMcPherson axle with independent multi-link suspensionMcPherson axle with the bottom triangular control arms and independent multi-link suspension with one longitudinal and two cross arms and torsion stabiliser

Suspension

K&W coilovers two-way adjustable with anti-roll bar removed. Ride height of 50mm (subframe from floor).

Brakes

Front brakes Škoda Octavia GreenLine front discs and calipers for reduced dragDisc brakes, with hollow discs, internal cooling and single-piston floating calliper

Rear brakes None

Measurements and Weights

Kerb weight (kg)1,4501

Total weight (kg)2,0001

Ground clearance (mm)50

Wheels & Tyres

Škoda GreenLine 15” steel wheels

Goodyear Eagle Land Speed Tyres

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Would have been better if it had been a diesel LOL

Read that in this months EVO, I'm a subscriber... thought theyd made a mistake quoting original weight as 1845kilos.... is that right or a typo?

Best be leaving that in gear when they head off to celebrate, then..